Soldered Soul Shrines

This past week I treated myself & my mother to one of Lauri Grimshaw-Cox's art classes. After I took one of her soldering classes in January, I've been waiting eagerly to take her soul shrine class. It's probably one of her hardest classes, but it's incredibly rewarding. Inside each of our soldered shrines, we have tucked in personal treasures.

This is my mother's soul shrine dedicated to my sweet grandmother..

 Inside is my grandmother's wedding band, an angel wing, mother & daughter pearls, and more..

And this is my soul shrine dedicated to my soul mate and daughters..

Inside is the key to my heart, a mother's charm, two pink pearls for my lovely angels, and a grey pearl for my hubby.

This was an amazing technique class and in the end we've created such a sentimental piece of art. Lauri does not often list this class and it fills up quick, so I highly recommend joining her newsletter and signing up for the next time it is offered.

I can not wait to make another one! Her classes always fill me with such inspiration and renewed love for soldering.

Soldering Surprises!

I'm not big on New Year resolutions. I believe that life can change on a whim for good or bad, and it's up to us to work daily on becoming a better version of ourselves. And I have to admit that 2012 so far is kinda kicking me in the pants. But all is not lost, I believe I have turned a corner and am back with all engines blazing! 

While not a fan of resolutions, I do like to set goals. This year I plan on learning how to screenprint - we won't talk about how looooong I have had all the equipment and that it is all still fresh in the cellophane packaging. I also wanted to learn, or should I say relearn, how to solder. I tried it once before Kiddo was born (almost 4 years ago!) and then quickly tucked it away. When I had tried it, I'm pretty sure I tackled it with no instruction and was completely dissatisfied with clumpy mess I had made. Lucky for me, I recently met Lauri Grimshaw-Cox, an accomplished artist & teacher.. and lives super close to me! When I saw her Soldering 101 Class go on sale, I knew it was a sign to try it again.

There is goofy ol' me! I had an amazing time - I learned fabulous tips and really was pleased with my final pieces. I made a double sided charm for a dear friend and the soldered glass bauble is for me.

 That is what I took home with  me last night and I spent this afternoon finalizing my gift.

There it is - a long silver necklace with a Cinderella pearl dangle. I love it.. I really hope my friend does too.

 Here is a close up of the loveliness. I added even more glam today! I goofed a bit on the corner of the glass and figured glitter just makes everything better. I used Stickles glitter glue and topped it with German glass glitter.

A sweet surprise for an amazing family friend that could sure use some spoiling these days. And lucky for me she doesn't read the blog, but we love her anyway ;o)

I triple dog dare you to go try a new craft or give one that horribly wrong a second chance. And I absolutely recommend that if you live in Utah, you simply must take one of Lauri's classes. She is a great teacher and completely enthusiastic about helping you enjoy the process of learning.

Thanks Lauri! I can't wait to take another class!!